Boardwalk Empire (TV series) | Boardwalk Empire Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Boardwalk Empire (TV series) Boardwalk Empire is an HBO American period crime drama television series starring Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. The series is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during Prohibition. The pilot was directed by Martin Scorsese. Contents Edit Boardwalk Empire begins on the eve of Prohibition. Nucky Thompson is a powerful and connected political figure in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during Prohibition period of the 1920s and 1930s. Nucky acts with historical characters in both his personal and political life, including mobsters, politicians, government agents, and common folk. The show also follows agents in the federal government as they investigate bootlegging and other illegal activities in the area, and the intertwined cover-ups and deals made between the two forces. The final season jumps ahead seven years, to 1931, as Prohibition nears its end. Nucky Thompson | Boardwalk Empire | HBO Boardwalk Empire The shrewd and charming former Treasurer of Atlantic City.

Character Bio The shrewd and charming former Treasurer of Atlantic City, Nucky Thompson is capitalizing on the opportunities presented by Prohibition. The hazards of his business destroyed his relationships with his wife and his brother, and for a time, Nucky pondered getting out. He has yet to see that plan through. Bio Steve Buscemi has built a career out of portraying some of the most unique and unforgettable characters in recent cinema. He has won an Independent Spirit Award, the New York Film Critics Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe for MGM's 'Ghost World,' directed by Terry Zwigoff, co-starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson. He was also nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Emmy® for his role as Tony Blundetto in season five of 'The Sopranos,' and received a Guest Actor Emmy® nomination for his appearance on NBC's '30 Rock.' He was recently nominated for a Lola, from the German Film Academy Awards, for his work in 'John Rabe,' which was directed by Academy Award®-winning director Florian Gallenberger and stars an international cast. Born in Brooklyn, Buscemi began to show an interest in drama in his last year of high school.

Soon after, he moved to Manhattan to study acting with John Strasberg. There he and fellow actor-writer Mark Boone Junior began writing and performing their own theatre pieces in performance spaces and downtown theatres. This led to Buscemi being cast in his first lead role, in Bill Sherwood's 'Parting Glances' as a musician with AIDS. Since this impressive breakout performance, Buscemi has become the actor of choice for some of the most respected directors in the business. His resume includes Martin Scorsese's 'New York Stories'; Jim Jarmusch's 'Coffee and Cigarettes' and 'Mystery Train,' for which he received an IFP Spirit Award Nomination; Alexandre Rockwell's 'Somebody to Love,' and the 1992 Sundance Film Festival Jury Award-winner 'In the Soup'; Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs,' for which he received an IFP Spirit Award for his standout performance as Mr.

Pink; the Coen Brothers' 'Miller's Crossing,' 'Barton Fink,' the Academy Award®-winning 'Fargo' and 'The Big Lebowski'; and cameo appearances in films such as 'Rising Sun,' 'The Hudsucker Proxy,' 'Big Daddy,' 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Wedding Singer.' Buscemi also provided voices for the animated features 'Monster, Inc.,' 'Final Fantasy,' 'Charlotte's Web,' 'Monster House,' 'Igor' and 'G-Force,' co-starring Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz, Will Arnett, Bill Nighy and Tracy Morgan. In addition to his talents as an accomplished actor, Buscemi is a respected writer and director. His first project, a short film entitled 'What Happened to Pete,' was featured at several film festivals, including Rotterdam and Locarno, and aired on Bravo. He marked his full-length feature film directorial debut with 'Trees Lounge,' which he also wrote and starred in.

The film, which co-starred Chloë Sevigny, Sam Jackson, and Anthony LaPaglia, made its debut in the Directors' Fortnight at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Buscemi's second feature film as a director, 'Animal Factory,' told the story of a young man sent to prison for an unjustly harsh sentence, who eventually becomes a product of his environment. The film, based on a book by Edward Bunker, starred Willem Dafoe and Edward Furlong, and premiered at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. IFC released Buscemi's third directorial feature, 'Lonesome Jim,' a comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family, starring Casey Affleck and Liv Tyler. It was named one of the year's top ten independent films by the National Board of Review, and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2007, Sony Pictures Classics released 'Interview,' which Buscemi co-wrote, directed and starred in with Sienna Miller. This Theo Van Gogh remake premiered at the Sundance Film Festival that same year.

Buscemi's directing work also includes numerous TV credits, including 'Homicide: Life on the Street,' for which he was nominated for a DGA Award, and HBO's 'The Sopranos,' for which he was nominated for an Emmy® and DGA Award for directing the 'Pine Barrens' episode during the third season. He directed an episode of the Emmy®-winning show '30 Rock' and four episodes of the critically acclaimed drama 'Nurse Jackie,' starring Edie Falco. Buscemi has also started an independent film and television production company based in New York, called Olive Productions. Wearing multiple hats, Buscemi and his longtime friend actor-director Stanley Tucci will produce, write, direct and cultivate talent. Wren Arthur, who worked for Robert Altman for 11 years, is running the company. The company produced Hue Rhodes' 'Saint John of Las Vegas,' in which Buscemi also starred. In addition, Olive has a variety of film and television projects in development. The company signed a first look deal with Lionsgate Television, and is signed on to executive produce an untitled HBO drama starring Tucci.

Most recently, Buscemi starred in Bette Gordon's 'Handsome Harry,' in which he portrays a friend of Harry (played by Jamey Sheridan), and convinces him to seek forgiveness regarding a fellow Navy comrade they betrayed years ago. Buscemi was also featured in Miguel Arteta's 'Youth in Revolt,' and in Oren Moverman's directorial debut, 'The Messenger,' co-starring Oscar® nominee Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster. Real Nucky Thompson, Jimmy Darmody - Boardwalk Empire True Story Birthplace: New York City, USA Death: August 6, 1934, Atlantic City, New Jersey (complications after appendix operation) They are doing their best to do historically accurate fiction. - author Nelson Johnson Questioning the Story: Is Margaret Schroeder based on a real person? Like Margaret Schroeder (left), Florence Osbeck (right) was Nucky's second wife, but that's where the similarities end.

Margaret Schroeder, who is portrayed by Kelly Macdonald on the Boardwalk Empire TV show, is primarily a combination of two individuals, Nucky's second wife, showgirl Florence Osbeck (pictured) who was 25 years his junior, and Mary Ill, a housewife and boardinghouse maid who fell upon hard times and requested a meeting with Nucky. Mary's husband, a part-time baker's helper, had gambled their food money away. Nucky gave Mary Ill some money and ensured her that her husband would no longer be allowed in local gambling halls. Like Margaret, Mary was also active in local politics and charitable organizations. It is unclear whether she was Irish and there is no evidence that Nucky had her husband killed like he does to Margaret's on the show. -Boardwalk Empire Book Nelson Johnson's book inspired the HBO series. Did Nucky really have a first wife who died? Yes. On the show, Nucky (Steve Buscemi) alludes to having lost his first wife. The Boardwalk Empire true story reveals that Nucky Johnson's first wife was his childhood sweetheart Mabel Jeffries. They both had enrolled at State Normal School College in Trenton, New Jersey.

Nucky left after a year to begin an unpaid law clerkship. He eventually quit to work as a clerk at the office of his father, the sheriff. After Mabel Jeffries graduated and began work as a teacher, the two married on September 12, 1906. Their marriage ended with her death in 1912 of tuberculosis. It was at this time that Nucky began to live a fast life. Decades later, following an engagement that lasted three years, he married Florence "Floss" Osbeck, a thirty-three-year-old showgirl, on August 11, 1941 before entering prison for tax evasion. -Nucky: The Real Story of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Boss by Frank J. Ferry Did Nucky have any children? No. On the HBO TV show, Nucky adopts Margaret Schroeder's two children around the time that Margaret and Nucky marry. In researching The Boardwalk Empire true story, we discovered that the real Nucky Thompson (Nucky Johnson) never had any children. His brother, who is depicted as having a rather large family on the show, also never had any kids.

Boardwalk Empire T-Shirts celebrate fan favorites including the purely fictional character Richard Harrow. Is Jimmy Darmody based on a real person? Yes. James "Jimmy" Darmody, portrayed by Michael Pitt, is to some degree based on Jimmy Boyd (Business Insider). Born November 5, 1906, James H. Boyd worked closely with Nucky Johnson and has been called his "right-hand man" by their lawyer Frank J. Ferry. It is rumored that Boyd got his start as a bellhop at the Ritz and was able to work his way up. Ultimately, he became a part of the Atlantic Board of Freeholders (county legislators) for almost forty years. He was also the executive chairman of the Fourth Ward Republic Club for two decades and served in the army during World War II (Jimmy Darmody was a WWI veteran). By now you've probably guessed that the real James Darmody (Jimmy Boyd) was not killed by Nucky Johnson. He died more than five years after Nucky in April 1974. -Atlantic Cape Community College Did the real Nucky Thompson actually live at the Ritz-Carlton? Yes.

Nucky Johnson leased the entire ninth story of the Ritz-Carlton, as well as other properties. While being investigated for tax evasion, it was noted that his daily expenditures included such food as lobster, steaks and caviar. Although he treated himself well, spending large amounts on clothes and cars too, he also spread his wealth to charities, impoverished areas and workers. -ACMuseum.org Ship-shaped bar of real Babette's nightclub (top) and the TV show's ship-shaped bar (bottom). Is Babette's nightclub based on a real location? Yes. Babette's was an actual Atlantic City nightclub that existed from the 1920s through the 1940s. It was originally called the Golden Inn and was owned by Dan Stebbins. He changed the name in the 1930s after marrying singer and performer Blanche Babette, who had come to Atlantic City in 1920. Babette's was indeed known for its unique décor, which included a ship-shaped bar (pictured) similar to but not as extravagant as the one Martin Scorsese insisted on having created for the show.

Like on the TV show, the real Babette's saw it's fair share of illegal activity, including backroom gambling and horse-race betting, which caused it to become the target of a federal investigation in the 1930s. -ACMuseum.org Did Nucky really wear a red carnation in his lapel? Yes. Like on the TV show, the real Enoch Thompson (Enoch Johnson) wore a fresh red carnation in his lapel daily. It was his personal trademark. -The Press of Atlantic City Did the real Nucky have a pale, scrawny appearance like actor Steve Buscemi on the TV show? No. The real Nucky swam almost every day of the week to keep in shape. He was a tall, muscular, formidable man who weighed roughly 225 pounds and stood over six feet tall. He also did not have a somewhat high-pitched voice like actor Steve Buscemi. He had a forceful and outgoing personality and he was almost always seen wearing glasses.

-Galloway.Patch.com Boardwalk Empire Set Tour and Related Video Join Bob Shaw, the Production Designer on the HBO Boardwalk Empire TV show, as he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Boardwalk Empire sets, including the replica Atlantic City Boardwalk that was constructed exclusively for the show. Also, watch the trailer that was used to promote the HBO TV series. ‘Boardwalk Empire’: 7 Nucky Quotes For When It’s Time To Go All In EMAIL HBO “You can’t be half a gangster,” explained Jimmy Dormady (Michael Pitt) to his mentor, Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), the central character in HBO’s prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire (available to stream anytime on HBO Now ). While Nucky’s financial interests were tied to bootlegging, as the Atlantic County Treasurer, he did his best to curate his public image to be that of a respected politician. Though, over the course the show’s run, Nucky came to realize that Jimmy was right, he couldn’t be just half a gangster, and if he wanted to win, he absolutely had to go all in.

So, the next time you’re on the fence about something, let these Nucky Thompson lines help you when it’s time to really commit to yourself. “You wanna be a gangster in my town, then you’ll pay me for the privilege.” HBO Like any corrupt politician with dollar signs in his eyes, Nucky likes making a profit off of the criminal activity that goes on in his town. And whatever illegal activity that he does allow, he wants it to run smoothly. When it doesn’t, those who are involved can end up paying a steep price for their meddling, as Jimmy’s quick to learn after his truck hijacking goes wrong. Even if you haven’t gone all in just yet, it’s important to know exactly what kind of game is being played, and how you can benefit from it in the meantime. Share This Boardwalk Empire - TV Show, Episode Guide & Schedule | TWC Central Search Share Drama series adapted from Nelson Johnson's book set in 1920s Atlantic City, during the time of Prohibition. Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson; the town treasurer and undisputed ruler of the City - both politically and as a gangster.

Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese bring the vibrance and tension of the era to the screen. Boardwalk Empire 2010 - 2014, Crime , Drama Drama series adapted from Nelson Johnson's book set in 1920s Atlantic City, during the time of Prohibition. Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson; the town treasurer and undisputed ruler of the City - both politically and as a gangster. Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese bring the vibrance and tension of the era to the screen. Boardwalk Empire Violent, mature Prohibition gangster drama is for adults. Consumerism Violence • • • • • Parents need to know that HBO's mature period drama focuses on an Atlantic City mob boss during Prohibition, when making alcohol illegal created a booming business in smuggling. So not only do people drink frequently on the series, but much of the story revolves around making, transporting, and selling alcohol as well. The characters are quick to anger and not above-double crossing each other, and there's plenty of graphic violence when deals go bad (including people getting badly beaten and being shot in the head on screen).

They're a rough and dangerous crowd: They smoke, swear constantly, and have sex (sometimes loudly, with full-frontal nudity). Close Fail 0 Fail Drama series adapted from Nelson Johnson's book set in 1920s Atlantic City, during the time of Prohibition. Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson; the town treasurer and undisputed ruler of the City - both politically and as a gangster. Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese bring the vibrance and tension of the era to the screen. Episode Guide Season 4 Episode 5: Boardwalk Empire Nucky heads to Philadelphia; Agent Knox detains Eddie Kessler to obtain information about Nucky's organization; Gillian tries to score a fix; Van Alden is recruited by the Capones. All In Nucky gets to know Arnold Rothstein over a card game; Eddie is detoured after making a delivery; Al and Frank Capone finish a collector's route; Agent Knox vows to exploit Nucky's weakest link; Willie and his roommate take a practical joke too far.

The Pony Gillian makes her peace with Jimmy's death; Van Alden attends a meeting with Capone and Torrio; Nucky makes an offer to Andrew Mellon; Margaret makes a stand on birth control; Nucky and Owen shop for a pony; Billie considers a future in film. Season 2 Episode 12: To the Lost Jimmy hopes to make amends with Nucky; Margaret considers a life-changing decision; Manny admits to murdering Angela. Season 2 Episode 11: Under God's Power She Flourishes Nucky prepares Margaret for a worst-case scenario; Jimmy revisits his college days; Mickey Doyle must share his liquor profits; Nelson's past comes back to haunt him. Season 2 Episode 10: Georgia Peaches Jimmy tries to cultivate a new revenue stream; the Commodore's crew must deal with the city's striking workers; Nucky gets a new lawyer; Van Alden's future is uncertain. Season 2 Episode 9: Battle of the Century Nucky barters in Ireland; Jimmy brokers a deal with George Remus; Emily's illness takes a turn for the worse; Halloran is questioned about Nucky's past.

Season 2 Episode 8: Two Boats and a Lifeguard Nucky solicits advice; Eli is suspicious of his brother; Angela makes a new friend; Jimmy flexes his muscles at Mickey Doyle's expense. Season 2 Episode 7: Peg of Old Jimmy faces a decision with long-term consequences; Margaret has a family reunion; a new prosecutor; Owen settles a score. Season 2 Episode 6: The Age of Reason Nucky arranges a risky liquor delivery; complications arise in Nucky's federal case; Jimmy finds a new mentor; Margaret makes a confession; Lucy struggles in solitude; Van Alden wrestles with his conscience. Season 2 Episode 5: Gimcrack & Bunkum Nucky introduces a surprise guest speaker at a dedication for war veterans; Eli questions his allegiances; Nucky gets a new lawyer; Jimmy learns a lesson; Richard goes hunting. Season 2 Episode 4: What Does the Bee Do? Nucky considers a risky legal maneuver; Jimmy and Mickey head to Philadelphia; Eli worries about the Commodore's ability to lead; Chalky is cornered at work and at home; Van Alden's agents target Mickey's warehouse; Richard lets down his guard.

Season 2 Episode 3: A Dangerous Maid Nucky calls in a favor; Owen Sleater intervenes on a delivery intended for a struggling casino operator; dinner guests clash at Babette's; Lucy frets about her loneliness. Season 2 Episode 2: Ourselves Alone Nucky contemplates betrayal in his inner circle; Margaret tries to help Nucky avoid trouble; Chalky is badgered in prison; Owen Sleater scouts the Thompson residence. Season 2 Episode 1: 21 Nucky is shocked by an insurrection among his inner circle; an attack threatens Chalky's life and livelihood; Margaret deals with her son's problems; Angela vies for Jimmy's affection; Van Alden shows his wife around town. Season 1 Episode 12: A Return to Normalcy Atlantic City braces for change on election day; Torrio brokers a deal between two nemeses; Jimmy, Margaret, Van Alden and Eli think about their futures. Season 1 Episode 5: Nights in Ballygran Eli, Margaret and Van Alden undermine Nucky's attempts to usher in a joyous St. Patrick's Day; James Neary is arrested.

Season 1 Episode 4: Anastasia Jimmy forms new relationships in Chicago; Nucky celebrates a U.S. Senator; Chalky identifies a lynching suspect; Margaret and Lucy clash. Season 1 Episode 3: Broadway Limited Jimmy's future is clouded by a witness to the woods massacre; Margaret gets a new job; Chalky's team pays a big price for his success. Season 1 Episode 2: The Ivory Tower Agent Nelson Van Alden visits Nucky; Nucky discusses the upcoming election with his aging mentor; Margaret Schroeder seeks help in providing for her children; a traveling salesman makes a startling discovery. Season 1 Episode 1: Boardwalk Empire Atlantic City's treasurer condemns alcohol; a housewife approaches Nucky about getting her husband a job; Nucky tells his ward bosses about the opportunity to profit from selling bootleg liquor; Jimmy makes an alliance. Boardwalk Empire (TV Series 2010–2014) - IMDb IMDb 17 January 2017 4:34 PM, UTC NEWS There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later.

X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error WATCH NOW ON DISC An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era. Creator: After Owen's dead body is delivered in a crate and Margaret leaves him, Nucky spends the next day with a seriously wounded Eddie and Gyp's thugs trying to kill him. 9.5 Eli braces for the worst as Agent Knox launches his plan to bring Nucky down. Capone and Torrio reach an agreement in Cicero. Chalky looks to settle scores. Richard steps forward to save Tommy, at ... 9.4 After promising Rothstein Mellon's distillery, Masseria is persuaded to withdraw his support for Gyp, and Margaret finds an abortionist in Brooklyn.

9.4 a list of 37 titles created 19 Apr 2012 a list of 34 titles created 27 May 2012 a list of 34 titles created 20 Jul 2012 a list of 30 titles created 27 Apr 2014 a list of 30 titles created 06 Jun 2015 Search for " Boardwalk Empire " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Title: Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014) 8.6/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 59 wins & 173 nominations. See more awards » Videos New Jersey mob boss, Tony Soprano, deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life.

Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper. Stars: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement. Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn A show set in the late 1800s, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota; a town of deep corruption and crime. Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker A down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic. Stars: Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker True Detective (TV Series 2014) Crime | Drama | Mystery An anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.

Stars: Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams Better Call Saul (TV Series 2015) Crime | Drama The trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer, Jimmy McGill, in the time leading up to establishing his strip-mall law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn Various chronicles of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. Yet all of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, ND. Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman The lives and cases of a dirty LAPD cop and the police unit under his command. Stars: Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins Dexter Morgan is a Forensics Expert, a loyal brother, boyfriend, and friend. That's what he seems to be, but that's not what he really is. Dexter Morgan is a Serial Killer that hunts the bad. Stars: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas Old-school U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is reassigned from Miami to his childhood home in the poor, rural coal-mining towns in Eastern Kentucky.

Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter The story of Easy Company of the US Army 101st Airborne division and their mission in WWII Europe from Operation Overlord through V-J Day. Stars: Scott Grimes, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston Edit Storyline Set in the Prohibition era of the 1920s Boardwalk Empire is the story of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, the treasurer of Atlantic County, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Due to his relationships with mobsters as well as political contacts, the Federal Government start to take an interest in him. His lavish lifestyle seems at odds with his position, and as well as his connections, there is prolific bootlegging in the area. Written by WellardRockard Atlantic City, 1920. When alcohol was outlawed, outlaws became kings. See more » Genres: 19 September 2010 (USA) See more » Also Known As: Did You Know? Trivia Many of the characters surrounding Nucky Thompson and all but the basics of Thompson's life are fictionalized. Major exceptions are the infamous gangsters depicted (i.e.

Al Capone, Johnny Torio, Lucky Luciano, Arnold Rothstein & Meyer Lansky), who were based by the writers and actors to some extent on the real criminals' personalities and actions. See more » Goofs Both Western Electric and Automatic Electric candlestick telephones are shown. These were competing manufacturing companies that would not be seen in the same geographical area. The "Bell System" would use only Western Electric telephones connected to their telephone lines. Independent telephone companies would use Automatic Electric and many other manufacturers telephones connected to their telephone lines. See more » Quotes Lucky Luciano : There's another 50 in the car. They're ingersolls. Meyer Lansky : I wish you would stop with this. We schlep around with a box of watches, what do we look like? Lucky Luciano : Fellas who know what time it is. Meyer Lansky : Might as well set up a pushcart. Benny Siegel : [comes in, surprised] Arnold Rothstein's here. Meyer Lansky : We're talking, Benny. Benny Siegel : Oh. So I should tell him go fuck a duck? Lucky Luciano : Enough with the crazy shit already, huh?

Meyer Lansky : [glancing at Rothstein through the window] Bring him in before he breaks the house. [they scramble to look presentable] [...] "Boardwalk Empire" Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb trailers and videos full cast and crew trivia official sites memorable quotes Overview 150 out of 213 people found the following review useful: Simply ... WOW! Greetings from Lithuania. What a wonderful pilot! First i read some reviews before watching pilot, and they where saying how "boooring" this episode was. Hell no! That was one of the best pilots in a ... ever! When you have screenwriter of "Sopranos" and Mr. M.Scorsese in a director chair - nothing can go wrong! A pilot of "Boardwalk Empire" reminded my of "Goodfellas", "Sopranos" (i read that behind this show is a writer of "Sopranos" after watching pilot) and ... "Departed" - it's was THAT good. If this show will live up to the pilot - we have a new Emmy winner in all possible categories. Watch it and don't wary about negative reviews - this is a really great show. Was the above review useful to you?

108 out of 130 people found the following review useful: Buscemi should get an Emmy. from USA 16 October 2010 This show is loaded with excellent acting and writing!!!!! It's worth watching every minute and shot. Steve Buscemi definitely deserves an Emmy for his portrayal of "Nucky." I haven't enjoyed a show from HBO this much since "Deadwood." The characters are well layered and the dialogue is fantastic. The supporting cast is immensely talented and the scenery is simply gorgeous. Michael Pitt is a pleasure to watch in his, complex role of the war hero gone bad. I hope this show lasts a lot longer than "Deadwood" did and makes household names out of its cast. I'll keep my HBO subscription forever if more shows like these are on the horizon. Was the above review useful to you? 79 out of 97 people found the following review useful: My 347th Review: ...this is as good as TV gets....

from the big screen 4 November 2010 With production values that are mind-boggling, cast, and a budget to die for HBO is now what film studios were in the 1930s, they have the clout and the ability to go way further than most films can - and you get episode after episode. the detailing is beyond accurate and lavish - every stitch, every furnishing, every telegraph wire looks and feels authentic and it is all shot and lit to the highest standards of film not TV. The story of prohibition and Atlantic City is fully detailed, complex, with Steve Buscemi heading up a great cast. I have a gripe that the F-word was not ubiquitous at the time and strikes a jarring note in an otherwise near perfect production. Where this shines is in the details - I just hope the story lines and acting live up to the promise - they certainly have so far. Was the above review useful to you? 78 out of 100 people found the following review useful: The best show on small screen since the last best show on HBO from United States 15 November 2010 The show doesn't need any introduction and neither does the cast.

It encompasses a generation where the political landscape is much the same as today but it is laced with more violence, sexism and corruption and in the midst is a thriving business of illegal alcohol. A new standard is set with the storytelling, cinematography, elaborate sets on the shores of Brooklyn, carefully chosen custom tailored clothes and costumes that match the opulent lifestyles of the characters. The occasional inserts of magazines, books, manuals; all in their original form, which not only gives originality (to the show) for the era that is being depicted but also takes you back in time into the deeply woven lives of characters like Mrs Schroeder, Nucky, Eli, Nelson and my personal favorite character Mr. Kessler. A barrage of other prominent real life characters like Arnold Rothstein, Lucky Liciano, Al Capone, (Jimmy Darmody?), Johnny Torrio, Senators, Congressmen, President and VP contenders make the show complete and give it a political as well as a mob dimension. Much of what is in the show is based on true events and a cursory search on Wikipedia on some of the famous characters validates it. This is what makes this brilliant show dark just like it's setting - theme song with clouds over Atlantic city.

One of the less talked about part of the show perhaps are the melodious songs that the producers/writers have decided for the background score. The songs fill up the environment with melancholy just like much of the show and leaves us eagerly waiting for the next episode. Any less than ten stars for the show would only reflect lack of fine taste. Was the above review useful to you? 97 out of 141 people found the following review useful: Best Pilot I've Ever Seen! A New Milestone for TV? from Bahrain 23 September 2010 A couple of days a go, I saw the pilot of Boardwalk Empire, directed by Maestro Martin Scorsese and written by Terence Winter, one of the main writers of the Sopranos. This is by far the best pilot I've ever seen. Impeccably directed; pure Scorsese, brilliantly written, perfectly casted, amazingly acted and just visually stunning! The look Mr. Scorsese established for the show is a joy to watch and hopefully the other directors will be able to emulate it, but I guess since we have Tim Van Patten, Allen Coulter and Alan Taylor directing most of the episodes, we're safe!

From the first episode, Boardwalk Empire shows a great promise. It's about time Steve Buscemi got a leading role, a fine actor and a show stealer, and he's nothing short of great here, with a great supporting show to carry the show with him. If the show continues like the pilot, and keeps using great soundtracks like the ones Mr. Scorsese used for the pilot. Then we have a third show to join the Sopranos and the Wire. And the fact that HBO renewed the show for a second season two days after it's premiere says something. Will be watching. from Canada 4 October 2010 This is a fantastic series; its the kind of outstanding, must-see programming that drives new subscribers to HBO. The series has superb production values and masterful direction by Scorsese. The acting is first-rate all around, especially the portrayal of Rothstein. Nucky's girlfriend (played by Paz de la Heurta) spices the show up with wonderful flashes of her beautiful nude body. The dressing room scene in episode #3 where she strips naked is magnificent to behold! The lady is a work of art... There is also a subtle complexity to the character of Nucky.

He is not just a "bad" villain; a simple,one-dimensional caricature. Instead, he shows loving emotions, such as his desire to have children and his attraction to the good-hearted, honest immigrant girl. (who on the surface appears to be his antithesis) He doesn't just commit crimes or violence for enjoyment of evil, but its often part of a Machiavellian purpose.He doesn't just take from the community, but he gives back as well. Perhaps he is the benevolent dictator or Philosopher King that Plato imagined. In many cases he redistributes wealth to those who need it most. Even if he is primarily doing it to serve his own interests, he is providing a critical function and service to the community and time in which he lives. The series also makes stinging criticisms of how the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and how powerful political and economic interests often manipulate naive, well-intentioned fools. Even today, soft drugs like marijuana are illegal, while far more addictive and socially harmful products (such as tobacco and alcohol) are legal. Marijuanna has been kept illegal because the powerful alcohol and tobacco lobby groups don't want competition to cut into their profits.

But dumb people still believe the politicians who outlaw soft drugs like this are doing it to "protect" society. In any case, this series is highly entertaining and will help people to understand the futility of prohibition policies and start to think about the real political and economic interests that are operating behind the scenes. The show is fun and addictive. (hopefully the government won't outlaw it) Watch it; you'll be glad you did. Was the above review useful to you? 58 out of 82 people found the following review useful: One of the best series on Hbo 20 September 2010 *** This review may contain spoilers *** When I watched this it kept me to the edge of my seat waiting to know what will happen next and when. The music with the movie is just like drinking a beer and feeling your first buzz It plays at the right time. The historically reality is just stunning, The silent movies the comedy play mixed with the raids from the feds. It shows how many people were actually poor in certain types of town with low pay.

How men who drink beat their wives I did not enjoy watching that though that got me kind of mad at the guy and wanted to see him dead in the show because he killed a unborn child buy beating the mother of it,and Martin Scorsese roll in it. A big $50 million just for the pilot their investing a lot into this show. I enjoyed all the way through even the credits.One of the best pilots I have ever seen. Was the above review useful to you? 50 out of 69 people found the following review useful: A brilliant crime story filled with flare, emotion, and memorable characters. from United States 6 December 2010 I am not a big TV lover. Mostly I watch South Park, but this show has gotten me interested in more live-action shows. It tells its stories with the same quality as a normal theater film for each episode making it feel like a massive crime drama experience. I have been waiting for a while now to review it, and now that the first season is over I can make my honest opinion clear. I live on a barrier island in New Jersey named Long Beach Island. It is about an hour drive away from Atlantic City so as you can guess I've been there a few times.

My favorite part about Atlantic City is the boardwalk. Since this show is named Boardwalk Empire it should do a good job at showing what it looked like back in the 20's. Simply put it captures the 20's perfectly. The show is directed so well I felt like I was transported back to those days. They also capture the feel of the 20's in other ways by showing historic events such as the World Series scam. In the end though it best captures the spirit of the 20's on the boardwalk. As for the plot it is set in the 1920's. Prohabition has begun starting a whole decade of illegal alcohol smuggling. The Treasurer of Atlantic City Nucky Thompson is starting a smuggling business that results in some bloody consequences. Along the way he meets a woman named Mrs. Schroeder, deals with an oncoming election, and more. It is a very well told story. It manages to tell several different stories throughout the show, but none of them feel underdone. They all are extremely well put together story lines.

You have the main alcohol smuggling story, the story of Nucky and Margaret, the story of Jimmy, the story of Capone, the story of Lucky, the story of Eli Thompson, the story of Agent Nelson Van Alden, and many more. All these different stories keep things fresh. The emotions that are shown in the episodes are powerful. As the episodes go on emotions get stronger like layers of an onion. Something that is also present in this show is flare. Every gangster flick needs that style to it. It needs to have that gangster feel. While this show doesn't have a lot of that when it happens it is really cool. Now I end this review on the acting. Everybody does a swell job. Buscemi is great as usual, and everyone else is great. The person who I'm most interested in is Michael Pitt who is a relatively unknown actor, but here is great and I would like to see him other things. He could make it real big. Overall I love this show. I will be a viewer of the next season for sure. Was the above review useful to you?

43 out of 61 people found the following review useful: TV's best drama that's compelling and informative it shows the early days of America's Playground as it ran with politics, corruption, greed and power struggle! from Petersburg, Virginia 9 November 2010 HBO has once again done it, they are simply the best at putting out provocative, and compelling interesting original series and this time period piece drama "Boardwalk Empire" is clearly a big knockout winner. It's filled with enough drama, intrigue, suspense and complex emotions to make a viewer hooked and addicted to me it's like an early version of "The Sopranos" as producer and creator Terence Winter does a crafty and great job with this new work just the way he did when he wrote for "The Sopranos". As long before the days of slot machines, Donald Trump, Chinese massage places, street walking hookers, and rundown buildings this period piece shows the real and early days of Atlantic City. Set in 1920's Atlantic City, NJ when Prohibition has just gone into effect this series shows how the city's kings became outlaws.

Dealing with the real life Nucky Johnson, yet the series changes the name to Nucky Thompson(played brilliant by veteran Steve Buscemi)who is A.C.'s treasurer and as with any central character Nucky is a complex man. He's a good politician standing for what he believes in, still he's quickly amoral by doing favors and bribes overseeing criminal enterprises and money from booze that's imported with the help of his brother the sheriff. Still Nucky has a soft heart for people in need especially for that of a local lady Margaret Schroeder(played wonderful by Kelly MacDonald)who captures Nucky's fancy with her loving care, a big difference from the hot steamy passion that Nucky has with hot spirited flame Lucy(Paz De la Huerta). Aside from that a good supporting turn for the series and Nucky is that of hot young buck sidekick and want to be leader Jimmy Darmody(Michael Pitt)who's an aggressive loose cannon kick butt kind of guy. As he skates in the business of battling rivals while trying to impress Nucky with scores and he even brushes in business for Nucky in Chicago and New York as this series even shows the early start of legends Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

As Jimmy's the great wild card of the series a hot headed war war I vet who couldn't be tamed at home by his sexy wife Angela(Aleksa Palladino)as this boy is just a little complex from having a showgirl for a mom Gillian(Gretchen Mol). And with any early mob drama it's only fitting to have a good guy trying to sort out the mess and bring corruption down well enter federal agent Nelson Van Alden(played with toughness and zeal from Michael Shannon)an intense by the book lawman who's determined as it's always interesting to watch him follow Nucky's dealings and travels. Overall this now is the best show on TV and only the best in the business HBO could have done it. "Boardwalk Empire" shows the roaring twenties as vibrant and classic meanwhile the life of this place is a violent underworld that had to be in a time of social prosperity and progress that was upstaged by corruption and booze debauchery in the Prohibition era.

It's such a historical drama that it's educational really as it shows with it's central character Nucky Thompson life is complex and always temptation will override playing by the book as easy money is the way to live, still when dealing with money, booze, and sex it's tough and violent. Still "Boardwalk Empire" does all of this in such a classic way that's exciting and exhilarating as it's dazzling make it a must see for yourself and toast up and drink up to this it should last a little bit. Was the above review useful to you? 29 out of 40 people found the following review useful: Damn Good Start 22 September 2010 *** This review may contain spoilers *** Boasting only a pilot episode (for now), Boardwalk Empire proved to be highly entertaining, at least for me. I never once thought it was slow, although if I recall correctly, the premiere lasted for more than an hour, and I didn't think it was overstuffed or overly dramatic, as many have taken the time to notice. Well, okay, maybe it was a little high-strung towards the end, but it managed to restrain itself nicely on that account. I mean, it could've been much worse.

But that's not the kind of sentence I'd like to employ with this series. I can tell this is going to be a good one. Not because we have as backdrop the fiery, blood-fuelled mob wars between two powerful cities, or the facetious, slippery trade of liquor during the Prohibition era. While all these are very interesting to watch in their own respect, especially the accurate depiction of the violence and crimes of the time, what I like best about this show, so far anyways, are the characters. I am not saying the plot isn't fairly fascinating itself, but I am more drawn to the protagonist, rather than the actual story. Nucky Thompson is fascinating to watch simply because he is a lonely man with too many people around him. He is like an island (cleverly depicted in the opening theme), standing in the midst of a raging era. He is a strong man with a strong head, but when it comes to his heart, well - he tends to show a much more vulnerable side. He looks like a cold bastard and acts like a pragmatic, self-complacent, crafty and almost cruel business man.

At the same time, however, he's a warm fellow, with a heart made of tiny sheets of gold, that likes to protect all things pristine and innocent in the world. He is almost too aware of the fact that he can't accomplish that. He knows that his principles, while set in stone, are morally wrong and that he can't do his job and also do what he thinks is right. He can't be half a gangster, as Jimmy tells him. So he compromises and tries doing both, with somewhat peculiar consequences. Here is man who can seem completely accustomed to the world he lives in, while, simultaneously, finding a hard time adjusting to it. When Steve Buscemi's character (who, by the way, was perfectly cast in my opinion - opinion which is not shared by many apparently) gives his touching, over-the-top, speech at the beginning of the episode, narrating how he procured some rats as dinner for his family on a cold winter night, we know it's a ruse and we as audience can already guess he is using it as a ploy to earn the trust and admiration of the ladies gathered there. And yet, we kind of hope and believe that part of his story is true.

And that, although he lied about it, in his heart, he would actually do that. And that, a bit of that little boy resembles this grown weary man. You almost start thinking, towards the end of the episode, that maybe he wasn't lying to them at all,that maybe he was actually telling a real story. And that's when the character becomes fascinating to watch. And Nucky isn't the only character to watch. There are many well-rounded characters here that surprised me in many good ways. I never expected this much depth from these supporting characters. At least at first, Jimmy's character did not seem so complex to me. It's only when the story progresses, that we do see how twisted the little fellow really is. Same goes for Arnold Rothstein's character, played by the grossly underrated Michael Stuhlbarg, as a cool, stoic mobster with a charming and affable personality. His poised elegance appears almost sinister at times. Especially after his gambling success, when he explains to Nucky how in actuality, he's the one who owes him money. Another good one for me is Margaret's character, the abused Irish wife that Nucky takes a peculiar interest in.

Her quiet innocence and deliberate, unaffected candour make for a refreshing change from the sensual femme fatale of the jazz era, portrayed by Nucky's girlfriend. Many critics complained that she is a stale stereotype of the victimised woman portrayed as a saint, as opposed to the promiscuous vain, self-absorbed tart. So this would be the reason why Nucky's interested in her. But I disagree, she brings a lot more to the screen than a stereotype of an abused wife. Yes, she is placed there to show a contrast between different women at the time, but she has something of her own, her expressions, her mannerisms, her actions that speak louder than her role and position in society. For me at least, she was riveting to watch. The weak characters of the show (like Van Alden, Lucy or Lucky Luciano) I suppose have not yet been developed after only one episode and I look forward to seeing more of them. However, all in all, the cast is a delight to watch. And for me, the characters make this show better than it actually is.

The plot is elegantly handled (I speak as an amateur of this particular genre) and it swerves and turns enough times to distract us from any loose ends, making sure we focus on some key moments of the story, but the characters really do bring out the best of it, for me at least. I give it a nine, because I have a feeling this show will grow into something worthwhile. Was the above review useful to you? Page 1 of 15: Boardwalk Empire Boardwalk Empire Episodes Boardwalk Empire Synopsis Atlantic City, 1921. In a city whose fortunes have soared in the wake of Prohibition, Nucky Thompson is paying a steep price for wielding ultimate power in “the world's playground.” Steve Buscemi returns as Nucky in Season 2 of this hit HBO drama series that follows the continued rise of organized crime at the dawn of Prohibition. Though the 1920 election he successfully rigged is over, Nucky finds himself the target of a federal investigation for vote tampering--and an insurrection by those he counted among his closest allies.

All the while, top mobsters like Arnold Rothstein, Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky and Al Capone wait in the wings, looking for the chance to grab a bigger piece of Nucky's pie. Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald and Michael Shannon co-star. Latest 'Boardwalk Empire' News

Question: Nucky Thompson was the central character in which US TV drama series?
Answer: Boardwalk Empire